Ryan Tennis

Listening to Ryan Tennis is like taking a road trip to a new place with an old friend. Songs range from soul-touching acoustic ballads to roots funk and soul to rollicking reggae and afro-caribbean, but under it all is a foundation of groove and warmth that keeps you moving forward. Tennis' sound has drawn comparisons to Paul Simon, Bill Withers and Ben Harper--surprising likenesses for an all-American college football player turned singer/songwriter. While his disarming lyrics and singable melodies display a rare sensitivity, the intensity of his live performances - solo or backed by the raucous Clubhouse Band - hint at his gridiron past. Tennis' charming authenticity and powerful groove have endeared him to fans at home and abroad, and with a dogged DIY mentality the last several years have seen him orchestrate successful tours through Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Ireland, Colombia, and Argentina.